Godtel hopes to help homeless residents with representation in Pineywoods Showdown

NACOGDOCHES, TX (KTRE) - A walk down the backstreets of downtown Nacogdoches show that homelessness is not just a big city problem.

Godtel operates on the brick streets as a way to offer hope and a place to start over for many homeless residents in Deep East Texas.

"People think the homeless is a big city problem but it is not. It is a small town problem like it is here," Godtel staff member Richard Silva said. "Without the help of the community and churches we would not be able to be here."

Godtel started in the 1970s in Lufkin. The faith-based non-profit has since expanded to helping the homeless in Nacogdoches and Livingston. This year the charity will be represented by the Nacogdoches Girl All Stars in the 8th annual Pineywoods Showdown Basketball game.

"The community does so much for us so I think it is awesome to give back to the people that need it," Garrison Senior Taylor Christopher said.

The girls from the team recently made a trip to the downtown location to serve breakfast to the residents.

"Sometimes people have a down point and we can be there to help," Woden Senior Shelby Brown said.

The girls were able to help about 30 residents when they showed up with pancake mix and sausage. One of the residents they helped was Denise McCollum.

"I'm from Illinois and was sent here by my friends down here that wanted to help me get my life together," mcCollum said. "It offers some place that is safe and where you can lay your head while you try and get your life back together."

The girls had to wake up early on a Saturday but their smiles showed it was not a problem.

"It is not a problem to wake up early to help people," Martinsville Senior Brooke Scarborough said. "I may complain about it once or twice but in the end it is well worth it. I don't mind getting up and giving my time to anyone who needs it. "

The Showdown game starts at 6 P.M. on April 28 at Central Heights High School. The Angelina girls are representing The Dream Center.

This is the second piece of a four part series focusing on the charities. Tuesday KTRE will look at CASA of the Pines.